What to Serve with Tamale Pie? 10 Best Side Dishes

What do you do when you don’t know what to serve with tamale pie?

You can always go with a classic like mashed potatoes or a green vegetable.

But sometimes you want something different that will complement your meal without overshadowing it.

If you’re looking for some new ideas, here are ten delicious side dishes to serve with tamale pie.

What to Serve with Tamale Pie? 10 Best Side Dishes

There’s something special about serving a big, hearty tamale pie.

It’s the perfect comfort food for a cold winter night. But what do you serve with it?

You want something that will complement the flavors of the tamale pie without overpowering them.

Here are 10 of the best side dishes to serve with tamale pie:

1. Roasted Red Potatoes

Ah, crispy roasted potatoes.

They’re the perfect side to any meal, in my opinion.

And they couldn’t be easier to make!

All you need is some olive oil, salt, and pepper.

That’s it!

I like to add garlic powder for an extra flavor boost.

You can also mix things up by using sweet potatoes, or adding herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Pro Tip: The key to crispy roasted potatoes is giving them plenty of space on the baking sheet. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of roast.

2. Simple Biscuits

You can always whip up a batch of these biscuits when you need a quick and easy side dish.

They only require a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

And, they can be made in under 30 minutes!

I like to add some shredded cheese to my biscuits, but you can also add some chopped bacon or green onions.

Pro Tip: For extra fluffy biscuits, use buttermilk instead of regular milk.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheese to the dough
• Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter before baking
• Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to the dough

3. Easy Coleslaw

Almost nothing is as easy or satisfying as a good coleslaw.

This dish is perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, and picnics.

It’s cool and creamy, with a little bit of sweetness from the pineapple.

Plus, it’s super versatile – you can add in whatever veggies you have on hand.

I always like to add in some chopped up red pepper for a little crunch.

Pro Tip: For the best flavor, make this dish at least an hour before you plan on serving it. This gives the flavors time to meld together.

3 changes you could make:

• Swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt
• Add in chopped up grilled chicken
• Throw in some chopped up bacon

4. Easy Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins

How about some cornbread with a little bit of a kick?

See Also: What to Serve with Cornbread Casserole? 10 Best Side Dishes

These cheddar jalapeno cornbread muffins are the perfect side dish for any meal.

They’re savory, they’re slightly sweet, and they have just the right amount of spice.

Plus, they’re super easy to make.

Pro Tip: If you want an extra cheesy cornbread, swap out the cheddar cheese for monterey jack.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Add some chopped bacon to the batter for a smoky flavor.
• Use honey in place of the sugar for a sweeter cornbread.
• Omit the jalapenos if you don’t like spice.

5. Garlic Chive Smashed Potatoes

Garlicky, slightly onion-y, and with a hint of creaminess, these smashed potatoes are the perfect side dish to any meal.

I love that they’re not overly greasy or heavy, but still have so much flavor.

They’re also really versatile – you can add in other herbs like rosemary or thyme, swap out the chives for green onions, or even add in some crumbled bacon before serving.

Pro Tip: If you want an extra crispy topping, try sprinkling on some panko bread crumbs before baking.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Add in other herbs like rosemary or thyme
• Swap out the chives for green onions
• Add in some crumbled bacon

6. Roasted Asparagus

How about roasting a big batch of asparagus on the weekend so you have it on hand to add to salads and grain bowls all week long?

I love asparagus roasted with a little bit of olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.

You could also try roasting it with some Parmesan cheese or balsamic vinegar.

Pro Tip: Cut the asparagus spears in half so they cook evenly.

3 Ways to Change It Up:

• Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of garlic.
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Swap out the lemon juice for orange juice or white wine vinegar.

7. Ranch Glazed Carrots

Carrots always add a lovely color to any meal, but often lack flavor.

This recipe gives carrots the star treatment they deserve by glazing them with a flavorful and slightly sweet ranch dressing.

The end result is a beautifully caramelized and tender side dish that will brighten up any plate.

Pro Tip: If you want an extra crispy carrot, cook them uncovered for the last 5 minutes of cooking.

3 Unique Twists:

• Swap out the ranch dressing for honey mustard or BBQ sauce.
• Add some chopped fresh parsley or rosemary for a pop of color and flavor.
• Roast the carrots with some sliced onions for an easy one-pan side dish.

8. Quick Classic Macaroni Salad

If you want something satisfying but light, this is the dish for you.

It’s the perfect balance of creamy and tangy, with just a hint of sweetness.

The best part is that it comes together in under 30 minutes – perfect for those busy weeknights.

Pro Tip: For an extra flavor punch, add in some diced dill pickles or chopped hard-boiled eggs.

3 Unique Twists:

• Use spiralized cucumber instead of traditional noodles for a low-carb option.
• Add in some crumbled bacon or grilled chicken for a heartier dish.
• Stir in some diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and tropical twist.

9. Special Fruit Salad

Gather your favorite fruits, some yogurt and honey, and get ready to be amazed.

This dish is so easy but always looks impressive.

The best part?

You can make it as unique as you want by adding in your favorite fruits and toppings.

I love adding a little bit of granola or some chopped nuts for a little extra crunch.

Pro Tip: Let the fruit salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add a tablespoon of chia seeds for an extra boost of antioxidants and fiber.
• Swap out the yogurt for coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• Top with some dark chocolate chips or shredded unsweetened coconut for a decadent twist.

10. Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing

Spinach salad can be as boring or as exciting as you make it.

This particular recipe is awesome because it has a hot bacon dressing, which adds a ton of flavor and a little bit of spice.

Plus, the addition of crumbled blue cheese takes it over the top.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have time to make your own dressing, you can use a store-bought ranch or Caesar dressing. Just add some chopped bacon and crumbled blue cheese to give it a twist.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a heartier salad.
• Swap out the spinach for kale or arugula.
• Top with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.

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What to Serve with Sausage Breakfast Casserole? 9 Best Sides